Old Synagogue Potsdam

The Old Synagogue in Potsdam was built between 1900 and 1903 according to plans by Otto Kerwien and was consecrated on June 17, 1903. It was destroyed during the Second World War and demolished in the 1950s.

The Jewish community in Potsdam consisted of 32 families in 1801. The first synagogue on Wilhelmplatz was built in 1702. The community grew to 489 members by 1895, which made it necessary to build a new synagogue in the neo-baroque style. The interior was destroyed during the November pogrom of 1938. Despite severe damage caused by air raids, the building was preserved despite its proximity to the post office. It was demolished in 1954 and new houses were erected on Platz der Einheit.

The first community center was built in 1748 at Ebräerstraße 4, the second synagogue was opened in 1767 on Wilhelmplatz and demolished in 1895 due to defects. By the end of the century, the second synagogue was no longer adequate. Kaiser Wilhelm II approved the construction of the new synagogue in 1902, which was consecrated in 1902. From 2000, it was referred to as the „old synagogue“ because a new one was planned for the growing Jewish community.

During the Nazi era, many measures were taken against Jews, which decimated the Jewish population. In 1939, there were only 175 Jews living in Potsdam and it was necessary to sell the synagogue. It was destroyed in November 1938, but not set on fire. The rest of the building was later used as a hall. On April 14, 1945, the synagogue was destroyed in an air raid.

The ruins were demolished in 1954 and replaced by a residential building. The New Synagogue Potsdam Association has been campaigning for the construction of a new synagogue in Potsdam since 2005. Today, around 800 Jews live in Potsdam, of which approximately 395 live in the community.